Leigh Park mum-of-six organises march against child abuse

Sherryanne Thomson from Leigh Park has organised the march from Cosham to Guildhall Square on Wednesday, September 9 to raise awareness about child abuse and trafficking.

The 45-year-old said: ‘Being in lockdown has made me realise how important family is and I have had time to think about life outside my bubble and that life is not as rosy for many others including children being abused.

‘The government are not doing enough and need to give more money to agencies who can help children. In our own community we need a place for children to go if they can’t talk to people at home if something is happening.

‘We need to protect our children.’

More than 150 people have responded to the Facebook event and Sherryanne hopes people will share their stories and messages on the day.

Another protest against child abuse has been organised for October by mum-of-one Amy Johnston and Lacey Hider, also at Guildhall Square.

Amy from Buckland said: ‘Abuse of all kinds is happening everywhere and if we don’t do anything about it then things will just carry on as normal.

‘There are all types of abusers whether they are family, friends, relatives or whatever. It needs to be recognised.

In Hampshire, police have recorded a 53 per cent increase in child sexual offences in five years.

SEE ALSO: Portsmouth campaigner 'sick' of child abuse organises march at Guildhall Square

In 2019/20, there were 2,661 offences against children in 2019/20 compared to 1,734 in 2014/15.

Nationally child sexual offences jumped by 57 per cent in five years, according to data obtained by the NSPCC.

The march starts at 1pm from King George Playing Fields in Cosham and aims to meet in Guildhall Square at 3pm.

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